As reported, the proposed coal export terminal is expected to have an export capacity of up to 35 million metric tonnes of coal a year and will ship coal from the Bowen and Surat basins in Queensland.
If the plan goes ahead, construction of the port could start in 2012 and the facility, which would be able to accomodate vessels of up to 110,000 tonnes, is expected to be operational by 2014.
The coal miner has filed documents with the federal Department of Environment. Xstrata has stated in the documents that existing port capacities and known future port expansions will not handle its production growth expectations, Reuters reported.
The documents showed that the Balaclava port will serve increased production at Xstrata Rollestone and Oaky Creek coal mines.
